A TEENAGE driver who caused the death of a pensioner and left her friend disabled has been locked up.

Khas Thorpe, who had not passed his driving test, was doing 80mph in a 30mph zone when he ploughed headlong into an approaching car.

Birmingham Crown Court heard yesterday that Thorpe, 17, of Dreghorn Road, Bromford, made no effort to slow down or avoid oncoming traffic before the smash.

Thorpe admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was banned for four years and sentenced to four and a half years' detention.

Judge John Cavell said " severely dangerous" driving had led to the tragedy.

After the verdict victim Barbara Jewell's nephew, Ian Nicholls, said: "We as a family are disappointed. However, whatever the sentence was passed, we realised it would not bring Barbara back."

Stefan Kolodynski, prosecuting, said the accident happened at 11pm on January 14 in Bromford Road, Hodge Hill. Miss Jewell, aged 63, was a front seat passenger in a Toyota driven by 74-year-old William Woodhouse as they returned from a night out.

Thorpe was travelling in the opposite direction in a Honda Prelude and shortly before the crash overtook a student at about 80mph on a pedestrian crossing.

Mr Kolodynski said Mr Woodhouse, who had no recollection of the incident, had been left housebound and had to have his home adapted because of his multiple injuries, Mr Kolodynski added.

Thorpe, who suffered a broken leg, was dragged away from the scene by others and later lied to police about his involvement.

Samantha Crabb, defending, said Thorpe, who had not passed his driving test, was in a borrowed car and driving far too fast for someone with limited driving experience.